Calling All Ukes! Library Hosts Great Uke Salute

(Donna Rusher and Tony Webb take a uke break.)

If all the ukuleles in central Arkansas played the same song at the same time, what would it sound like?  This is the musical question that Conway based ukulelist William Higgs hopes to answer during his appearance at Garland County Library, Hot Springs, Saturday, April 14^th at 2 pm.  The program, “Ukulele Bill and the Great Uke Salute” will feature a concert, prize give-aways, and a group play-along of “Sloop John B.” by the Beach Boys.

            “Since a couple of our staff members have started playing the ukulele, we’ve noticed an interest in the instrument and hope this will be a fun way to learn more about it from a ukulele master,” John Wells, Library Director, said.  “Bill Higgs is a fantastic musician and I’m sure that more folks will get uke fever after they’ve seen him play.”

            Bill Higgs was inspired by The Beatles to start playing music.  “I was in the 6^th grade when I heard them for the first time and I never looked back,” Higgs said.  “We started a band and played music at dances and parties until we graduated high school. In college I got into the acoustic guitar movement and followed that road for several years. After college in Memphis, I met a fellow from North Carolina and proceeded to play bluegrass (mostly banjo) in a band for the next four years.”

            After moving to Conway in 1992, Higgs began playing mandolin with the “ToadSuck Symphony.” For the next 15 years, “we proceeded to horrify traditional bluegrass lovers with our bluegrass versions of rock music from the 60’s on,” Higgs said.  Recently, Higgs has mainly

played ukulele.

            “It is truly a happy little instrument that can play almost any genre and time period,” Higgs said.  “It can be very sophisticated or very simple. You can truly celebrate life with your ukulele.”

            In addition to playing music, Higgs builds stringed instruments and has built four tenor ukuleles, three of which he currently plays, the other a gift to his son. “Building instruments is something that gives me as much joy as playing and I encourage any of you, if you are so inclined, to give it a whirl,” Higgs said.

            Chord sheets of “Sloop John B.” are available at the library for those who want to practice before the play-along.  “I have no idea how many people play the ukulele, but we want them all to come play along with Bill April 14^th,” Wells said.  “We know that there will be four more ukuleles in the area that day, because we’re giving them away as prizes at the concert.  I hope that anyone who plays or has interest in hearing some great music will be sure to sign up for the show.”

            The concert is free and open to the public, but registration is required.  Call the library at 501-623-4161 or 501-922-4483 to reserve a seat or for more information.